Families and local residents are being encouraged to share their views on plans to build a new 420-place primary school in central Bridgwater.

Somerset County Council will provide latest proposals for a 14-class Academy primary school and 26-place nursery on the Northgate site at a drop-in event on Wednesday 13 January 2016. The site is jointly owned by Somerset County Council and Sedgemoor District Council.

In October 2009, 4,614 children were attending primary schools in Bridgwater; by 2014 this number had risen by 20 per cent to 5,562. Bridgwater’s growing population will rise further still with the arrival of more than 3,000 new homes in the town over the next 10 years, and with the construction of the Hinkley Point C power station.

Cllr Frances Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Somerset County Council, said: “A significant number of additional primary school places is needed to meet the rising demand in Bridgwater. Our duty to families in the town is to provide school places for all school-age children who apply. The Northgate site offers the perfect location for a school that will be able to serve the majority of housing developments in Bridgwater.”

The new primary school and nursery will be for boys and girls aged between two and 11. School transport will not be provided as the school will be accessible by walking or cycling. The County Council will advertise for an Academy sponsor in March 2016, with the final decision to be made by the Secretary of State.

The County Council will be holding a drop in session for interested parties at the Park Suite, Victoria Park Community Centre between 2.30pm and 6pm on Wednesday 13 January 2016. The latest information on these proposals will be available and people will have an opportunity to share their views. Those who are unable to attend the drop in session can email hwaring@somerset.gov.uk or phone 0300 123 2224 to submit a feedback form by Friday 19 February 2016.